14 Best Hunting Knife Options in 2022

This article is for those who have lately found the world of hunting and have developed a strong passion for it! A high-quality hunting knife is a need if you truly want to appreciate the sport of hunting. Hunting knives are available in various styles, materials, and lengths. Choosing the best hunting knife might be tricky, as each hunting weapon is designed for a specific function. Nevertheless, you will be able to discern between them relatively soon.

Roundup of the Best Hunting Knives

Best Fixed Blade Knife for Hunting	SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife
Most Durable Hunting Knife	BigCat- Handmade Damascus Steel Hunting Knife
Best Folding Hunting Knife	Grand way Hunting Folding Knife with Rosewood Handle
Most Premium Hunting Knife	Buck Knives 120 General Fixed Blade Knife
Most Well Balanced Hunting Knife	Explorer Bushcraft Survival Hunting Tactical Knife
Best Multipurpose Hunting Knife	Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife
Hunting Knife With Best Grip	Mossy Oak Survival Hunting Knife
Most Lightweight Hunting Knife	Cold Steel Lightweight Fixed Blade Hunting Knife
Most Portable Hunting Knife	CRKT Hunt’N Fisch Fixed Blade Knife
Best Hunting Knife With Interchangeable Blades	Outdoor Edge 3.5″ RazorLite EDC
Best Boning Knife	Mercer Culinary Millennia
Best Hunting Knife with Drop Point Blade	Schrade SCHF57
Best Skinning Knife	Victorinox Wide Skinning Knife
Best Hunting Knife With Traditional Design	Old Timer 158OT Guthook Skinner

What Defines Hunting Knife?

Hunting knives have existed since the dawn of humankind. It was challenging to live without it in ancient times. It was the primary means of providing food for one’s family. There is no other piece of equipment required to execute as many duties in as many different ways and under as many different situations as the knife, which is especially true for hunting.

You may use it for various tasks ranging from field dressing and skinning an animal in the field to cutting rope and assisting with the ignition of a fire in a survival emergency. Hunting knives are a part of almost all the best survival kits!

We typically use hunting knives for cutting and feature a single honed edge. Most hunting knives have a slightly curved blade, and others have a blade with both a curved half for skinning and a straight area for slicing meat. You’ll also notice that certain blades are equipped with a ‘Guthook’ (which we’ve discovered is regularly seen among fishermen).

What Type of Knife is Best for Hunting?

The quick answer is the type that is most suited to the job. It means that the kind of hunting you’re doing might significantly impact the sort of knife you choose. So what you would want for deer hunting would be pretty different from that for bird hunting or small game hunting. The answer to this issue is mostly a matter of personal preference.

There are so many manufacturers and designs because there is no single “best” hunting knife. Personal taste, physical hand size, aesthetics, the type of wildlife you want to hunt, and other factors all play a role in determining which knife is “optimal” for a particular individual. However, it would be best to keep some things in mind before making your purchase. Read on to know about them.

Things to Consider When Buying a Hunting Knife

The comfort with which a knife fits your hand, the animal you will be hunting, how often you will hunt, and how you will use the knife after the harvest are all significant considerations when selecting a hunting knife for your needs.

Here are some factors which need serious attention.

Purpose of Knife

The most important item to consider is why you require the knife in the first place. You should get a specialty knife if you need it for a specialized task, like skinning an animal. However, if you buy a specialty knife to use as a multipurpose tool for wilderness camping, it is unlikely to accomplish many of the activities you may require. Therefore, always begin the selection process by selecting the most suitable design for the duties you will use the knife for.

Fixed Blade Knives or Folding Knives

Hunting knives are available with fixed blades or folding blades, precisely what their names suggest. Fixed-blade knives are knives that are permanently held open in the open position. Folding knives include a center point that allows the blade to be folded into the handle while the knife is not in use. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of each.

Advantages of Fixed Blade

• Stronger since the blade material runs through the handle; suitable for heavy-duty tasks.
• Because there are no moving components, it is more durable and trustworthy.
• Unlike folding knives, these are much easier to clean.

Disadvantages of Fixed Blade

• They are longer than most folding knives, and you must carry them in a sheath; they are heavier and less safe to travel than folding knives.
• When climbing or simply sitting, they frequently get in the way.

Advantages of Folding Blade

• Compact size enables simple storage in a pocket, on a belt sheath, or anywhere while not in use.
• Transport is relatively safe.
• Numerous models include easy one-handed opening mechanisms.
• Excellent pick for hunters looking for a multipurpose knife.

Disadvantages of Folding Blade

• Inferior to fixed-blade knives in terms of strength
• It can be cumbersome to use the release latch on locking-blade folders.
• Cleaning is difficult since the blade passage gathers blood, tissue, and other debris.

Knife Blade Design

Knife blade forms come in a plethora of designs and varieties, but for the hunter, there are three basic types to consider, which are different blade types: drop point, clip point, or skinning.

Drop Point Blade

If you typically hunt big game, you should consider investing in a drop-point hunting knife. Because of the thickness and curvature of this type’s blade, it is often more robust than other varieties. So, it is beneficial for skinning animals since it uses the entire edge rather than the tip. Skinning becomes more accessible and faster, and less meat is lost. A drop-point can also be used in place of a saw or hatchet to split bones in a game animal’s rib cage and pelvis.

Clip Point Blade

If you’re looking for a knife that you can use for various tasks in addition to hunting, a clip-point knife is your best bet. Clip-point blades are thin, flat, and have a well-defined point than drop-point blades. It is an excellent choice for hunters who want to use the knife for purposes of dressing and skinning.

Skinning Point Blade

Skinning knives are designed primarily for skinning medium to big wildlife. The blade is very sweeping, making it easy to separate the flesh from the skin. This is a massive time-saver for hunters who butcher their own game.

Blade Material

The steel used in a blade has a significant impact on its performance on the field. Thus, it is critical to pick it up carefully. This impacts how well you can sharpen your knife, how well it will retain its edge after sharpening, and how well it will withstand years of field usage. The finest blade materials have high edge retention, are robust, resistant to corrosion, and resistant to wear. Following are some of the best materials for hunting knives.

S30V

If you want greater sharpness and hardness, choose S30V steel, corrosion, and wear-resistant steel. S30V blades are more difficult to sharpen than typical blades made of other materials, but they keep their edge far better.

VG-10

VG-10 is rust-resistant stainless steel with long-lasting edge retention.

154CM

This high-carbon stainless steel’s hardness and superior wear resistance make it an excellent cutting tool. Knives with smaller blades are better suited to this material.

420HC

Even though this medium-carbon stainless steel is exceptionally corrosion resistant, it has a lesser hardness than the other varieties, making it much simpler to sharpen. Edge stability is in the middle of the spectrum.

Knife Handles

When buying a hunting knife, do not neglect the handle. While wood, leather, and bone handles are efficient and frequently more visually beautiful, they lack the durability desired by many hunters. As a result, they can be difficult to hold when soaked with blood or water. An ill-fitting handle that is constantly sliding is a no-no.

To ensure user safety, the handle of a hunting knife should also include a finger stop, contour, or handguard that prevents the user’s hand from slipping forward on the blade.

Size Matters

The size of the knife you pick depends on your preferences and practical usage. For example, if you need a knife for cleaning game birds or squirrels, you’ll want something compact, lightweight, and small enough to carry in your pocket.

On the other hand, if you’re hunting deer, something a little bigger and sturdier would come in handy when it comes time to quarter the animal and haul it out. Whatever the size of the knife, the most important thing is that it fits comfortably in your hand and that you can grip it tightly so that it doesn’t slide or fall from your grasp while you’re using it.

Top 14 Knives for Hunting, Boning, Skinning, and More

Choosing the best knife for your needs as a hunter can be challenging. We’ve compiled a list of our top 14 choices to assist you. Take a look around before deciding to buy.

1. SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath

Best Fixed Blade Knife for Hunting

• Multi-purpose knife
• Durable
• Slip-free grip
• Full tang with hammering spike on the back

• Blade is not waterproof

Features

• Total length – 9.6″
• Blade length – 4.9″
• Handle length – 4.7″
• Weight – 5.6 ounce
• Clip point style
• Fixed blade
• Stainless steel

The SOG Fixed Blade is all about versatility; it can be whatever type of knife you want, whether tactical, hunting, military, or steak knife. This knife exudes excellence thanks to its stainless steel structure, black titanium nitride-coated blade, and handle with the best possible grip. The knife is well-balanced, and it feels comfortable in hand.

In conclusion, if you are the one who is looking for a perfect knife that can do other tasks besides expertly skinning and butchering your prey once you have caught it, this is the one you must go for. Keep it in a sheath that comes with it when not in use.

2. BigCat- Handmade Damascus Steel Hunting Knife with Sheath

Most Durable Hunting Knife

• Beautiful design
• One-piece wood handle
• Durable
• Multipurpose
• Strong and sturdy

• Oversize handle
• Needs extra care as can rust

Features

• Total length – 10″
• Blade length – 4.9″
• Handle length – 5.1″
• Weight – 7.7 ounce
• Clip point style
• Fixed blade
• Made Of hand forged Damascus blade
• Genuine leather sheath for knife

We found that most hunting knives are robust and effective, but the BigCat hunting knife is also beautiful to look at as well. It boasts of a large, hefty blade made of hammer-forged Damascus steel designed to take a hammering. When combined with a genuine walnut handle, it creates a stunning design.

In conclusion, if you are looking for a sturdy knife suitable for various tasks besides hunting but want to look hep while carrying it, BigCat’s handmade hunting knife fits the bill. As the blade uses stainless steel, make sure to oil it as it may rust the blade otherwise.

3. Grand way Hunting Folding Knife with Rosewood Handle

Best Folding Hunting Knife

• Decent answer to the folding knife’s compactness challenge
• Eye-catching aesthetics
• Tough and durable nylon sheath included
• SLIPJOINT LOCK prevents accidental exposure
• Easy to hold in one hand
• Luxurious appearance
• Includes Alex Trotsenko’s free survival booklet

• Feels bulkier
• Screws need to be tightened after unboxing

Features

• Total length – 10.83″
• Blade length – 5.79″
• Handle length – 5.04″
• Weighs – 8.1 ounce
• Clip point style
• Semi-folding
• SLIPJOINT lock

Grand Way Hunting is a one-of-a-kind knife. You can fold it in half, which means that the blade of a knife extends beyond the length of its handle. As a result, whether it’s closed or folded, the edge only partially enters the handle, yet it retains its functionality and good looks.

In conclusion, those who crave comfort when holding tools should consider this option. The design of this knife is exquisite and intriguing, appealing to both folding knife and traditional knife enthusiasts.

4. Buck Knives 120 General Fixed Blade Knife with Leather Sheath

Most Premium Hunting Knife

• Lifetime guarantee
• High-quality steel
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Anti-slip handle

• Requires regular maintenance

Features

• Total length – 12″
• Blade length – 7.38″
• Handle length – 4.63″
• Weight – 8.3 ounce
• Clip point style
• Fixed blade
• Made of 420HC stainless steel

Buck Knives 2.0 uses 420HC steel and is noted for its edge resistance, durability, and corrosion resistance. We found that the blade is also a good length which means it can complete many tasks, whether piercing, skinning, or detailed work. Moreover, the handle is well-sized provides lots of protection, comfortable, superior grip, and anti-slip.

It looks great and comes with a lifetime warranty to top it all off. So we decided to include Buck Knives 120 in our review since it routinely ranks among the best in nearly every category.

In conclusion, it is an excellent value for money, whether self-defense, bushcraft, or cutting and skinning. We also found out that the sheath is well crafted and precisely fits the knife.

5. Explorer Bushcraft Survival Hunting Tactical Knife

Most Well Balanced Hunting Knife

• Excellent workmanship
• Rust resistance
• Handguard prevents slipping
• Well balanced knife with solid feel

• Sheath needs some finesse

Features

• Total length – 12.50″
• Blade length – 7″
• Handle length – 5.5″
• Weight – 12 ounce
• Blade thickness – 0.20″
• Laser-cut fixed blade
• Micarta grip
• Stainless Steel
• Includes firesteel
• Handcrafted in Spain

Explorer Bushcraft hunting tactical knife is the knife you should go for if you enjoy outdoor sports. It is composed of thick, full-tang steel that lasts a long time. We found the handle is comfortable and well-balanced, with a firm feel. Bushcraft is unquestionably a high-quality blade. Furthermore, the sheath can be worn either vertically or in scout style. There’s a Ferro rod in there, as well. There’s a Ferro rod in there, as well.

If you’re looking for a high-quality knife for rough conditions and challenging outdoor environments, this one is excellent. Nevertheless, the sheath needs some improvement as the leather straps are attached with single sewing that can wear off quickly.

6. Smith & Wesson SWHRT9B 9in High Carbon S.S. Fixed Blade Knife

Best Multipurpose Hunting Knife

• Full tang with a double-edged design
• Includes lanyard
• Sheath of superior quality
• A strong, sharp blade
• A firm grip
• Comes with a limited lifetime warranty

• There is no sharpening stone supplied
• Sheath clip is a bit loose

Features

• Total length – 9″ 
• Blade length – 4.7″
• Handle length – 4.3″
• Weight – 7.7 ounce
• Spearpoint style
• Fixed blade
• Handle with a rubberized coating
• Handguard to keep it from slipping

The Smith and Wesson SWHRT9B is a double-edged knife. With its black powder-coated blade, the knife has a sleek, military appearance and is easier to hide. Our experts found that the knife’s rubber-wrapped ribbed handle provides exceptional grip and prevents it from slipping out of your hand even when wet.

Another outstanding feature is that the grooves assist in making it lighter without sacrificing blade strength.

In conclusion, we found that Smith and Wesson is the perfect knife to take on your next hunt. It will serve all possible purposes for you, without you having to regret your choice!

7. Mossy Oak Survival Hunting Knife with Sheath

Hunting Knife With Best Grip

• Lightweight
• Sharp and sturdy
• Rust-resistant
• Includes sharpener and firestarter

• Needs sharpening more than others

Features

• Total length – 15″
• Blade length – 10″
• Handle length – 5″
• Weight – 16.8 ounce
• Blade thickness – 0.17″
• Razor sharp clip point blade
• Fixed blade
• Full-tang rubber handle
• Nylon sheath
• Stainless steel

This Mossy Oak 15-inch, fixed blade hunting knife has a menacing appearance and is high-carbon steel.

This Mossy Oak 15-inch, fixed blade hunting knife has a menacing appearance and is high-carbon steel. Complete tang design and firm non-slip rubber grip ensure that you’ll always be able to make precise cuts. We must add that we love the black anodized color of this knife and the trendy sheath.

With a razor-sharp clip point 440C stainless steel blade, this knife will make an excellent hunting companion regardless of the reason for which you intend to use it. Another good addition is that they’ve included a sharpening and a fire starter, which significantly increases the value of the package.

In conclusion, this is the hunting knife with the best grip there is. No knife felt sturdier to hold than the Mossy Oak 12-Inch Knife! It’s like “get a grip” has found its brand ambassador!

8. Cold Steel Lightweight Fixed Blade Hunting Knife with Sheath

Most Lightweight Hunting Knife

• Very lightweight
• Ergonomic grip with a small finger hole
• Multipurpose knife
• Can be used as a neck knife
• Great knife for cleaning & dressing trout or small game
• Easy to sharp with sharpening tools
• Affordable

• Low-quality sheath
• Care needed for extra sharp blades

Features

• Total length – 6.31″
• Blade length – 2.25″
• Handle length – 4.06″ 
• Weight – 0.8 ounce
• Blade thickness – 0.10″
• Material Japanese AUS 8A stainless steel

What more could you desire as a hunter except for a hunting knife that is small and razor-sharp and one that can withstand abuse! The handle uses premium steel, which is attractive and easy to hold, and the blade is relatively long and sharp.

A finger hole in the handle provides a secure hold while allowing you to clean & dress trout or small game, saving you time and effort. However, it requires more attention since stainless steel blades become dull more frequently.

In conclusion, you won’t have to worry about the heaviness of the knife with the Cold Steel Lightweight Fixed Blade Hunting Knife with Sheath. Albeit lightweight, it does a lot for it’s size!

9. CRKT Hunt’N Fisch Fixed Blade Knife with Sheath Gentleman’s Hunting Knife

Most Portable Hunting Knife

• Lightweight
• Beautifully designed
• Durable
• Excellent corrosion and wear resistance
• Full tang knife
• Firm and comfortable grip

• The belt loop is not positioned correctly

Features

• Total length – 7.25″
• Blade length – 2.99″
• Handle length – 4.26″
• Weight – 3.6 ounce
• Blade thickness – 0.13″
• Drop point
• Fixed blade
• Blade material – Stainless steel

You can count on the Hunt’N Fisch from CRKT as one of the most excellent full-tang alternatives in the field. First, the material has a high chromium and carbon content, which means the knife will hold its edge well while also providing superb corrosion and wear resistance.

We found that from an ergonomic standpoint, you’ll appreciate how the handle feels in your hands and how it’s molded to provide a pleasant grip that is also firm. Furthermore, the cutting edge and spine are incredibly robust, so the blade will not readily break or bend. You can’t go wrong with the Hunt’N Fisch if you are a hunter.

To conclude, most hunting knives are portable, but the Hunt’N Fisch from CRKT felt the most convenient and easy to carry around knife out of the ones we tested!

10. Outdoor Edge 3.5″ RazorLite EDC – Replaceable Blade Folding Knife

Best Hunting Knife With Interchangeable Blades

• Sharp and thick blade
• Blades are easy to replace
• Good grip, even when wet
• Sturdy
• Can be used as a camp knife

• Blade lacks a durable edge
• Position of pocket clip is not appropriate

Features

• Total length – 8.0″
• Blade length – 3.5″
• Handle length – 4.5″
• Weight – 2.8 ounce
• Blade thickness – 0.02″
• Drop point
• Foldable pocket knife
• Material Japanese 420J Stainless

Outdoor Edge 3.5″ Razorlite is the sharpest, most formidable replacement razor-blade knife on the market, with blades that change securely and simply with the stroke of a button. It allows you to rapidly swap out a dull blade with a sharp one without honing. We found that its edge is thicker than those found on other hunting knives, and you can resharpen and reuse it. You will find the task of replacing the blade with the included one damn easy.

In conclusion, if you want a skinning knife with replaceable blades that can do all, then go for Razorlite. It’s sharp, rugged, and won’t set you back an arm and a leg.

11. Mercer Culinary Millennia

Best Boning Knife

• Textured fingertips for a secure grip
• Easy to sharpen steel blade
• Ergonomic handle
• Stain-resistant

• Lightweight; needs force
• Not much durable

Features

• Total length – 11″
• Blade length – 6″
• Handle length – 5″
• Weight – 5 ounce
• Fixed blade
• Material – High-carbon steel
• National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) certified
• Style curved
• Handle Material – Santoprene
• Blade edge – Plain

The stainless steel Mercer knife includes a handle with textured fingertips for a secure grip and a razor-sharp edge for cutting and slicing with minimal effort. We found out that its steel blade is simple to sharpen and maintain, and it remains ready to use for an extended period.

This knife is a stamped blade; stamped blades are cut from a large piece of steel before being turned into knives. Stamped is fantastic since it is much easier to sharpen, and the textured fingertips provide a robust solid grip, giving you better control every time you use it—all in all, a chef’s delight.

In conclusion, the Mercer Culinary Millennia knife is the best for boning and food preparation. It might not do much else like chopping wood, hunting, but if you are someone who likes to carry different knives for different purposes, you won’t find a better knife than this for boning!

12. Schrade SCHF57

Best Hunting Knife with Drop Point Blade

• Lightweight
• Thick blade
• Durable
• Multi-carry options
• Concealable
• High-Quality sheath

• Needs to be sharpened regularly
• Sheath retention
• Sheath design has few options
• Small blade

Features

• Total length – 6.30″
• Blade length – 2.60″
• Handle length – 3.70″
• Weight – 4 ounce
• Blade thickness – 0.15″
• Blade material – 65Mn High Carbon Steel
• Drop point
• Fixed blade
• Handle material – Fiberglass

The Schrade SCHF57 is a 2.5-inch Fixed Blade 65 Mn High Carbon Steel Knife with full-tang construction. Although many of you may be surprised by its modest size, it is just this aspect that makes this knife so appealing to many campers, bushcrafters, and ultralight campers alike. The compact size of this knife and the addition of a thumb rest and Jimping make it ideal for precision Bushcraft work.

In conclusion, with its full-tang fixed blade, the Schrade SCHF57 is a versatile, well-built, and comfortable knife. However, we felt that the only drawback is that it may fall out of the sheath as it does not fit snugly.

13. Victorinox Wide Skinning Knife

Best Skinning Knife

• Strong and compact
• Ideal for precision cuts and activities that need a robust and long-lasting blade
• Capable of handling a wide range of jobs
• Suitable for the outdoors people or hunters

• Some may feel the knife to be a touch too compact for their requirements

Features

• Total length – 5″
• Blade Length 2″
• Handle length 3″
• Weight 4.4 ounce
• Fixed blade
• Blade material – Stainless Steel
• Blade type – Curved
• NSF certified
• Style – Stamped
• Handle material – Fibrox

You can’t go wrong with the Victorinox Wide Skinning knife. It features an excellent and long-lasting build, making it a perfect choice for people searching for a high-quality knife. The blade is built of superior quality materials, making it simple to sharpen and keep sharp. Furthermore, the knife is lightweight and straightforward to use, making it ideal for working with huge chunks of meat.

In conclusion, this is an ideal knife for skinning a little cut of meat in your home or an entire animal on your hunting trip. It might not do a lot else, but what it does, it does brilliantly.

14. Old Timer 158OT Guthook Skinner

Best Hunting Knife With Traditional Design

• Very durable
• Full tang knife
• Comfortable and excellent grip
• Can be carried every day
• Multipurpose
• Ideal gift
• Lifetime warranty

• Small size

Features

• Total length – 7.30″
• Blade length – 3.50″
• Handle length – 3.80″
• Weight – 3.3 ounce
• Fixed blade
• Blade material – High-carbon stainless steel
• Blade shape – Gut hook
• Brown leather belt sheath

The Old Timer 158OT Guthook is the perfect skinning knife for any hunter who intends to skin an animal. You may process hide and body cavities on-the-spot with the precision-ground Old Timer 158OT Guthook Skinner Hunting Knife, keeping the meat clean and hairless. The most attractive feature of this knife is that the blade will not slip due to the security provided by the finger choil. Moreover, the upswept blade is very efficient, and the skinning blade design is ideal.

In conclusion, the Old Timer 158OT is the perfect buddy of every hunter and comes with a limited lifetime guarantee. With it’s traditional look, it is sure to catch the eyes of everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions About Hunting Knives

Do Hunters Carry Knives?

Yes, hunters carry knives because knives are essential for hunting or outdoors. Hunting knives can be used for various purposes, although they are most commonly used to skin, gut, and prepare animals. If you enjoy hunting or being in the great outdoors, a hunting knife is a must-have tool.

A million things can go wrong when a hunter is outdoors. For example, a hunting knife calms the nerves, and the hunters can adequately focus on their task.

How Much Should I Spend on a Hunting Knife?

The answer to this question is somewhat subjective. It would be best to spend whatever you feel the knife is worth. However, based on your prior experience with knives, you’ll have a good idea of the knife’s “value.”

Now that you know how much you’re ready to spend on a knife, you can start looking for knives in that price range; it can be $30, $40, or $100 and more and reading our reviews to see what features they have and then select the one.

How to Sharpen a Hunting Knife?

Knife sharpening is a process entrenched in history, and there are plenty of old-timers who would claim that their specific method of doing it is the only way to do things. Fortunately, achieving a sharp edge is a relatively straightforward operation; a few swipes over a sharpening stone and it will be as good as new. Still not sure what to use to sharpen your hunting knife? Here is our list of the best hunting knife sharpeners on the market!

Final Words

We have to confess that it must have been tough for you to choose a favorite from our recommendations of best hunting knives, but we’re sure you’ve spotted a few that you like above the rest. According to us, SOG Seal Strike Fixed Blade Knife with sheath is a charmer. It ticks all the relevant boxes and is quite affordable too.

As such, every hunting knife on this list is well-made and composed of high-quality materials, so if you buy a new hunting knife, please go through our suggestions.